Collapsible three legged platform

ABSTRACT

A collapsible three-legged platform is provided. The three legs are attached at a central pivot point such that the platform can collapse. The legs can be adapted to support a variety of objects.

CONTINUATION

This application is a continuation of, and priority is hereby claimed to, U.S. patent application having the application Ser. No. 15/607,659, filed on May 29, 2017, and titled “Collapsible Three Legged Platform.” This application also claims priority to U.S. patent application having the application Ser. No. 14/522,070, filed on Oct. 23, 2014. Accordingly, all disclosures made in the Ser. Nos. 15/607,659 and 14/522,070 applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a collapsible platform for securely supporting an object, for example, a wok. More particularly, a collapsible three-legged platform assembly pivotally secured together in such a way to enable the assembly to collapse for easy transport is disclosed.

Description of Related Art

Platforms for supporting objects are used in a variety of settings. For example, platforms may be used as a base for a table, chairs, or barbeque grills. Most platforms used for this purpose are physically attached to the supported structure and are not designed to be collapsible.

For some applications, it is desirable for the platform to provide open space beneath the pivot point for additional storage. Current collapsible platform designs use a long pivot structure in order to provide strength for the overall platform. However, using a long pivot structure greatly diminishes the amount of available storage space beneath the pivot. There is a need for a collapsible platform that provides a large amount of open space beneath the pivot point while being strong and stable enough to safely support a heavy object.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A three-legged platform that is secured at a short pivot point, enabling the assembly to collapse flat for easy storage and transport while also providing a large amount of open space beneath the pivot point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various exemplary implementations and are part of the specification. The illustrated implementations are proffered for purpose of example, not for purpose of limitation.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective exploded view of the collapsible three-legged platform, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 2a depicts a side view of a first leg of the collapsible three-legged platform, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 2b depicts a side view of a second leg of the collapsible three-legged platform, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 2c depicts a side view of a third leg of the collapsible three-legged platform, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 3 depicts a disassembled view of the pivot components, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 4 depicts an assembled view of the pivot components, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 5 depicts a cross sectional view of the central pivot post having a spring disposed therein, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an assembled collapsible three-legged platform, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 7 depicts a top-side plain view of the collapsible three-legged platform in the “opened” position, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 8 depicts a top-side plain view of the collapsible three-legged platform in the “collapsed” position, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 9 depicts a release mechanism, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of the collapsible three-legged platform having a wok disposed thereon, as shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The collapsible three-legged platform, also referred to herein as “platform,” will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective exploded view of the collapsible three-legged platform. The collapsible three-legged platform includes three or more legs (three are shown, leg 20, leg 30, leg 40). Each leg 20, 30, 40 can include one or more arms 20 b, 30 b, and 40 b; one or more extension elements 20 d, 30 d, 40 d; one or more support lips 20 a, 30 a, 40 a; or a combination thereof. A handle 40 f can be disposed on one or more of the legs. The legs should be made from a strong material, preferably metal, such that they can support a significant amount of weight without deforming or breaking. In at least one embodiment, each arm is a trapezoidal shape, providing additional strength to the arm.

The top of each leg 20, 30, and 40 can be bent at an acute angle to provide a support lip 20 a, 30 a, and 40 a, such that the legs can support a lower surface of an object. The support lips 20 a, 30 a, and 40 a can be angled in such a way to provide support to a plurality of objects that may be suited to place on top of the platform. For example, the support lips 20 a, 30 a, and 40 a may be bent to support a lower flat surface of pan or wok.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 a, leg 20 can include an arm 20 b that extends outward and can form a loop to provide structural support. An extension element 20 d can extend from the distal end of the arm 20 b and a cylindrical sleeve 20 c can extend from the extension element 20 d. The cylindrical sleeve 20 c can be hollow or otherwise configured to attached to one or more other cylindrical sleeves and pivot post extending from another leg (two are shown; 30, 40).

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 b, leg 30 can include an am 30 b that extends outward and can form a loop to provide structural support. An extension element 30 d can extend from the distal end of the arm 30 b and a cylindrical sleeve 30 c can extend from the extension element 30 d. The cylindrical sleeve 30 c can be hollow or otherwise configured to attached to one or more other cylindrical sleeves and pivot post extending from another leg (two are shown; 20, 40).

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 c, leg 40 can include an arm 40 b that extends outward and can form a loop to provide structural support. An extension element 40 d can extend from the arm 40 b. As shown, the extension element 40 d can be relatively flat and can extend from the arm 40 b at a position near the bottom of the arm 40 b. A central pivot post 40 c can extend upward from the extension element 40 d. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the extension elements 20 d, 30 d, 40 d can be absent.

Referring to FIG. 2c , an upper capping member 10 can be secured to a top portion of the arm 40 b. The upper capping member 10 can extend out over the top of the central pivot post 40 c. In an alternative embodiment, the pivot post 40 c can extend downward from the extension element 40 d and the upper capping member 10 can be secured to a bottom portion of the arm 40 b. However arranged, it is important that the cylindrical sleeves 20 c, 30 c are not allowed to freely slide off of the central pivot post 40 c; this can be accomplished by appropriately using one or more capping members 10.

In at least on embodiment, one or more holes 10 a can be disposed through the upper capping member 10 so that an attachment means or mechanism (including: glue, nails, screws 12 a and 12 b, other attaching hardware known to one in the art) can attach or otherwise secure the upper capping member 10 to the arm 40 b. Together, the cylindrical sleeves 20 c and 30 c, and the central pivot post 40 c form a central pivot axis C for the collapsible platform.

Fuel line attachment 80 can be disposed on any one of the legs, but is shown on leg 40. The fuel line attachment 80 can be configured to supply gas or other fuel to a burner (not shown) disposed about the center of the platform and above the central pivot post 40 c. In at least one embodiment, the burner can be mounted to the platform by a central screw 12 c securing it to a hole disposed in the upper capping member 10. More specifically, the burner can be disposed centrally over the pivot assembly so that it can provide heat to any cooking surface disposed on the platform. A fuel line 82 can run through the fuel line attachment 80 and to a fuel source 84. One such fuel source 84 can include a tank of propane gas, where the pressurized propane gas is controlled by a regulator and directed to the burner through the fuel line 82. In an alternative embodiment, the fuel source could contain gasoline, camping fuel, white fuel, or any fuel capable of providing a flame at the burner. Though not shown, the burner can include any burner capable of providing a flame, though a flame appropriate for providing heat to a cooking surface would be most appropriate when the platform is used as a cooking platform.

As is commonly known, a user may initiate a supply of fuel from the fuel source 84, through the fuel lines 82, and to the burner. The user can then ignite the fuel to provide a flame.

The cylindrical sleeve 20 c, cylindrical sleeve 30 c, and the central pivot post 40 c can be collectively referred to as the “pivot components.” As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the central pivot post 40 c can be generally cylindrical and appropriately sized or otherwise configured to slideably connect to, or fit inside of, cylinder sleeves 20 c and 30 c. In an alternative embodiment, the central pivot post 40 c and cylindrical sleeves 20 c and 30 c can have a shape that can be defined as a rectangular prism, triangular prism, hexagonal, etc., such that the central pivot post 40 c fits firmly inside of cylindrical sleeves 20 c and 30 c. In an alternative embodiment, the cylindrical sleeves 20 c and 30 c can be configured to fit on the outside of the central pivot post 40 c. Additionally, the outer surface of the central pivot post 40 c should touch or nearly touch the interior surface of the cylindrical sleeves 20 c and 30 c so that, when assembled, the central pivot post 40 c and cylindrical sleeves 20 c and 30 c provide stability to the platform. Extension member 40 d can be larger than the central pivot post 40 c to prevent sleeves 20 c and 30 c from sliding off the bottom end of the central pivot post 40 c. In other words, the extension member 40 d can function as a lower capping member.

Cylindrical sleeve 30 c can have a notch 30 g disposed about its bottom rim and cylindrical sleeve 20 c can have a notch 20 g disposed about its top rim. The two notches 20 g, 30 g can be disposed in their respective cylindrical sleeves 20 c, 30 c so that they line up with one another to form a hole through which a button 52 can fit through. As shown, the notches 20 g, 30 g form a circular hole, but in alternative embodiments the hole can be any shape. As shown in FIG. 5, the spring button 52 can extend from a spring 50 disposed within the internal volume of the central pivot post 40 c. When assembled, the spring button 52 can extend through a hole in the sidewall of the central pivot post 40 c and through the hole formed by the notches 20 g, 30 g disposed in the cylindrical sleeves 20 c, 30 c. The button 52 will prevent cylindrical sleeve 20 c, cylindrical sleeve 30 c, and the central pivot post 40 c from rotating about the central axis independent of one another. In other words, when fully assembled, the spring pin button 52 and the notches 30 g and 20 g form a locking mechanism that restrains cylindrical sleeve 30 c and cylindrical sleeve 20 c from rotating about central pivot post 40 c. However, when the button 52 is pushed in, and is no longer engaging the notches 20 g and 30 g, then the cylindrical sleeves 20 c and 30 c can rotate independently of each other, and independently of the central pivot post 40 c, allowing the platform to collapse. In other words, when the spring pin button 52 is depressed, cylindrical sleeve 30 c and cylindrical sleeve 20 c can rotate freely about the central pivot post 40 c.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the assembled collapsible three-legged platform in the open position. During assembly, the cylindrical sleeve 20 c of leg 20 can first slide onto the central pivot post 40 c of leg 40 and come to rest on the extension element 40 d. Next, the cylindrical sleeve 30 c of leg 30 can slide onto the central pivot post 40 c, coming to rest on the cylindrical sleeve 20 c. Next, upper capping member 10 can be secured to the arm 40 b of leg 40 such that at least a portion of the upper capping member extends over the cylindrical sleeve 30 c to prevent the cylindrical sleeves 20 c and 30 c from sliding off of the central pivot post 40 c. The upper capping member 10 thereby holds the assembly in place, preventing the three legs 20, 30, 40 from coming apart. However, the upper capping member 10 should not contact the cylindrical sleeve 30 c in such a way that would prevent the cylindrical sleeves 20 c and 30 c and the central pivot post 40 c from rotating about the central axis C in relation to one another.

FIG. 7 depicts a top-side plain view of the collapsible three-legged platform in the “opened” position, and FIG. 8 depict a top-side plain view of the collapsible three-legged platform in the “collapsed” or “closed” position. In the open position, the three legs 20, 30, 40 are stable when positioned 120 degrees from one another. The legs are locked in this configuration when the button 52 is disposed through the hole created by the hole in the central pivot post 40 c lined up with the notches 20 g, 30 g disposed on the cylindrical sleeves 20 g, 30 g and discussed above in reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. When the button 52 is disposed through the hole, the legs 20, 30, 40 are prevented from rotating about the central axis C independently of one another. To collapse the platform, the button 52 can be pushed, pulled or otherwise removed from the hole, thereby allowing the legs 20, 30, 40 to freely rotate about the central axis C independently of one another. In one or more embodiments, the platform can be collapsed and carried by the handle 40 f disposed on one of the legs 20, 30, 40. As shown, the handle 40 f can be disposed on the leg 40, so that a user can remove the button 52 from the hole and lift the platform by the handle 40 f. When this is done, legs 20 and 30 will rotate downward and toward each other to form a flattened, “collapsed” platform which is easy to carry and store for later use.

FIG. 9 depicts a release mechanism. This release mechanism can replace the spring 50 and button 52 discussed above in reference to FIG. 3. The release mechanism can include a handle 60, a finger grip 62, a support bar 63, one or more springs (three are shown, 66, 68, 69), a stop bar 64, or any combination thereof. For convenience of describing the invention, the stop bar 64 may also be referred to from here on as a “button.” The handle 60 can be mounted to the leg 40 and positioned so that when a user grabs the handle 60, the leg 40 provides structural support. The palm grip of the handle 60 can be on the exterior of the leg 40 and the support bar 63 can be on the interior of the leg 40 and generally disposed between the arms 40 b. The support bar can connect to a first distal end of the stop bar 64. The stop bar 64 can extend to the central pivot members such that a second distal end of the stop bar 64 is disposed through the hole in the central pivot post 40 c and notches 20 g, and 30 g when the platform is in the open position. When disposed through these holes, the stop bar 64 prevents the legs 20, 30, 40 from rotating independently of each other, similar to the button 52 discuss above.

The one or more springs 66, 68, 69 can provide the appropriate forward force to keep the stop bar 64 inserted into the holes when the legs 20, 30, 40 are in the open position. To collapse the platform, the stop bar 64 can be removed from the holes by compressing the springs 66, 68, 69, which can be accomplished by a user pulling back the support bar 63. The handle 60 can generally extend toward the interior of the platform so that a user can grab the handle and use her finger to pull the support bar 63 by squeezing her hand together. The support bar 63 can be disposed within the finger grip 62 and configured to provide comfort to the user. The handle 40 f, 60 may be made of rubber or similar material and molded such that it provides an optimum surface for gripping the collapsible three-legged platform.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of the collapsible three-legged platform having a wok 70 disposed thereon. In an alternative embodiment, a pan, pot, or other cooking apparatus may be positioned in the tops of the legs 20, 30, 40 to provide a cooking surface. In at least one embodiment, the center of the cooking surface is aligned about the central axis C of the platform and in line with the burner. As such, the flame from the burner can provide the highest heat to the center of the cooking surface. High friction feet 20 e, 30 e, 40 e may be attached to the bottom of legs 20, 30 and 40 respectively such that they provide a flat surface or additional friction against the supporting surface.

The platform can be assembled as shown in FIG. 10 for cooking. To quickly collapse the platform, a user can remove the cooking surface 70, release the button 52, 64, and lift upward on the handle 40 f, 60. The collapsed platform can then be carried and stored. To use the platform again, a user need only put the collapsed platform in the upright position and maneuver the legs 20, 30, 40 into the correct position, as shown. Once the holes are formed and aligned by the notches 20 g, 30 g in the cylindrical sleeves 20 c, 30 c and the central pivot post 40 c, the springloaded button 52, 64 will “pop” into place as the spring(s) 50, 66, 68, 69 will force the button 52, 64 through the holes.

The collapsible three-legged platform disclosed herein is particularly suited for supporting a grill having a spherical lower surface, similar to a wok. The bottom portion of the legs may be adapted to be extended to provide additional space beneath the central pivot post.

Although the present invention has been described with respect to specific details, it is not intended that such details be regarded as limitations on the scope of the invention, except to the extent that they are included in the accompanying claims. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous alternative arrangements that, while not shown or described herein, embody the principles of the invention and thus are within its spirit and scope. 

We claim:
 1. A collapsible platform assembly, comprising: a first leg comprising: a first arm, and a central pivot post mounted on the first arm, wherein a first end of the first leg comprises a first support at a first angle; a second leg comprising: a second arm, and a sleeve coupled to the second arm, wherein the sleeve comprises a bottom rim and a notch disposed at the bottom rim and wherein a first end of the second leg comprises a second support at a second angle; a third leg comprising: a third arm, wherein a first end of the third leg comprises a third support at a third angle; a pan configured to rest on the first support, the second support, and the third support; a spring configured to engage the sleeve; a fuel line; and a burner disposed above the sleeve and above the central pivot post.
 2. The collapsible platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is coupled to the third arm.
 3. The collapsible platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the burner is mounted by a central screw.
 4. The collapsible platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the pan comprises one or more handles and is configured to removably engage the first support, the second support, and the third support.
 5. A assembly, comprising: a first leg comprising: a first arm, and a post mounted on the first arm, the post coupled to a release mechanism, wherein a first end of the first leg comprises a first support; a second leg comprising: a second arm, and a sleeve coupled to the second arm, the sleeve comprising a bottom rim and a notch disposed at the bottom rim, wherein a first end of the second leg comprises a second support; a cooking surface, wherein the first support and the second support are configured to support the cooking surface; and a burner disposed above the sleeve and centrally above the post, wherein the burner is configured to be disposed below the cooking surface.
 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein when the release mechanism is activated the first leg and second leg can be maneuvered such that the collapsible platform assembly moves between an open position and a collapsed position.
 7. The platform assembly of claim 5, wherein the release mechanism is also coupled to the sleeve.
 8. The platform assembly of claim 5, wherein the first leg and second leg pivot in relation to one another to maneuver between an open position and a collapsed position.
 9. The platform assembly of claim 8, wherein the cooking surface comprises one or more handles.
 10. The platform assembly of claim 9, wherein the cooking surfaces is disposed centrally over the burner.
 11. The platform assembly of claim 5, further comprising a third leg comprising a third arm.
 12. An assembly, comprising: a first leg comprising: a first arm, and a central pivot post mounted on the first arm, wherein a first end of the first leg comprises a first support at a first angle; a second leg comprising: a second arm, and a sleeve, wherein a first end of the second leg comprises a second support at a second angle; a third leg comprising: a third arm, wherein a first end of the third leg comprises a third support at a third angle; a pan, wherein the first support, the second support, and the third support are configured to support the pan; a release mechanism engaging the sleeve and the pivot post such that when activated, the collapsible platform assembly can maneuver between an open position and a collapsed position.
 13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the first angle, the second angle, and the third angle are substantially equivalent.
 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the sleeve rotates about the same axis as the post when maneuvering between the open position and the collapsed position.
 15. The assembly of claim 14, further comprising a burner for producing a flame.
 16. The assembly of claim 15, further comprising a fuel line.
 17. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the release assembly comprises a spring.
 18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the first leg and the second leg are configured to pivot in relation to one another about a central axis.
 19. The assembly of claim 18, further comprising a burner disposed above the sleeve and above the pivot post, wherein the burner is mounted by a central screw. 